Diversity Awards for University of Glasgow

Diversity Awards for University of Glasgow

Issued: Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:34:00 BST

The University of Glasgow scooped two major firsts in the Herald Diversity Awards.

Professor Lyndsay Fletcher has been named ‘Diversity Hero of the Year’ for her commitment to encouraging women in science, as well as championing better conditions for parents and carers across the University.

The top spot in the ‘Diversity Through Education’ category was awarded to the University of Glasgow Reach Scotland programme. Led by Dr Neil Croll, Reach Scotland works with 95 schools across the west of Scotland to encourage S4-S6 pupils to pursue professional degrees in Dentistry, Law, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.‌‌

‌The Diversity Awards celebrate the companies, organisations and individuals who put equality and diversity at the heart of their actions.

Professor Lyndsay Fletcher said “I'm delighted and honoured to receive this Diversity Hero Award, which was achieved with the ongoing support of our Juno Committee, the School of Physics and Astronomy and the University's Equality and Diversity Unit. This accolade demonstrates the success of our collective efforts to promote and embed the principles and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion in our Glasgow University Physics and Astronomy community.”

Dr Neil Croll said “'We were delighted to receive this award as recognition of eight years of hard work conducted jointly between the central Widening Participation team and the schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Reach Scotland is a shining example of how cross-University collaboration can bring about significant change within a relatively short timescale.

“Most satisfying of all, this award recognises the high standards set by the students who have progressed to the university via the Reach Programme, often on adjusted offers of entry at admission. These students are performing as highly as their peers, demonstrating that the Reach programme is enabling talented young people to progress to University, who would otherwise have struggled to gain entry. The diversity this brings to the student body and will bring to the future professions of these students benefits society and the University. Thank you to all staff and students who continue to help us facilitate this successful programme.”